Delaware State names Chuck Bell as new Athletics Director
July 14, 2005
DOVER, Del. – Delaware State University President Allen L. Sessoms has
named Chuck Bell as the institution’s new director of athletics.
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Chuck Bell |
In coming to an agreement with DSU on a three-year contract, Mr. Bell fills
vacancy that has existed for over a year. The new AD brings a wealth of higher
education athletics experience to the university and takes over the helm of
a DSU athletics program that has already been aggressively steered in a direction
toward new levels of excellence. Over the last year DSU Women’s Head
Basketball Coach Ed Davis served as interim athletics director.
Dr. Sessoms said that extensive NCAA Division 1A experience was a major criterion
in the search. “Having interviewed almost two dozen first-rate candidates,
it was clear that Chuck brought to the table experience and dedication to diversity
at the Division 1A level that is unparalleled,” the DSU President said.“He
is a perfect fit for the University at this time in its development.”
Mr. Bell served as the director of athletics at San Jose State University
(1998-2004), Utah State University (1992-1998), as well as an associate athletics
director and interim AD at the University of Wyoming. He has also served as
a basketball coach at the University of Wyoming, Colorado State University,
and Lake Land College in Mattoon, Ill.
A native of Boulder, Colorado and raised on a farm in East Central Illinois,
Mr. Bell holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master of Science
in Physical Education and Physiology both from Eastern Illinois University,
as well as post-graduate studies in public education budget preparation.
After an extensive search process, the university’s selection committee – comprised
of representatives of theathletic coaches and staff, the university administration,
and the Board of Trustees – reached a strong, consensus that Mr. Bell
was the best choice.
Dr. Claibourne Smith, DSU Board of Trustees president, characterized Mr. Bell
as “a resolute individual…who brings the experience DSU needs” in
the top athletic post. He said that the input of the athletic department coaches
was pivotal.
“Their view mattered greatly in terms of who was selected,” Dr.
Smith said. “We wanted to have someone who would have the confidences
of those in leadership positions in the athletic department. The coaches understand
the student-athletes and know the kind of leadership necessary to get them
the kinds of experiences they need.”
John Land, DSU Board of vice president, said that Mr. Bell’s track record
and experience at Division I-A schools elevated him above the other finalists
for the post.
“We believe he will put us on track to continued success in athletics
here, that he will create new sources of revenue, and that he will create better
accountability in the athletic program,” Mr. Land said.
DSU Head Football Coach Al Lavan said DSU is “extremely fortunate” to
have someone of Chuck Bell's caliber who has the ability to bring out the best
in those who work with him. “Chuck's background in collegiate athletics
is second to none,” Coach Lavan said. “His experience as a successful
coach and athletic director at several major universities made him an ideal
choice to help raise the university's athletics program to a higher level.”
Constancia Hayes, DSU senior woman athletic administrator and head coach of
the university’s Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, said she believes
it will be an exciting new chapter in DSU athletic leadership. "The hiring
of Chuck Bell is a big step in President Sessoms' vision to raise the national
profile of Delaware State athletics,” she said. “I look forward
to working with him as we move forward to make Delaware State athletics the
best that it can be."
During his six years as the AD at Utah State University, Mr. Bell raised the
most funds ever in the history of the institution’s athletics department.
Also in his six years as the AD at San Jose State, he annually raised more
private dollars than any department on campus.
Under his leadership at Utah State, a new softball stadium and a football
field-size indoor athletic training facility were built and its track and field
stadium was completely renovated. The Utah State Women’s Soccer Program
was established during his time there, and in 2001 (three years after he left
the university), the soccer field was renamed the “Chuck and Gloria Bell
Soccer Stadium,” in honor of Mr. Bell and his wife.
During his tenure at San Jose State, the university built a 17,000 square
foot weight, strength, and rehabilitation center and an athletic academic center.
Throughout his career as an athletic director, Mr. Bell developed a reputation
for liberally hiring minorities and women to top coaching and administrator
posts. At San Jose State, he hired Nancy Lewis as the first woman to ever head
both men and women’s golf programs at the same time. Ms. Lewis was honored
in 2000 as the conference and LPGA national “Coach of the Year.”
Mr. Bell said he is excited about his new professional chapter at DSU and
added his goals will be same as they have been elsewhere. “My objective
is to help coaches and student-athletes be successful…that is why I
am in the business,” the new DSU athletics director said. “I’m
convinced that with the effort of Dr. Sessoms, his administrators and staff,
and the Department of Athletics personnel, and DSU family, we can get special
things done for our student-athletes.”
The new AD will begin his duties on Aug. 1. He and his wife Gloria are expected
to obtain permanent residency in the local area in the near future.
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